About Us
Culture Competence & Care services include continuing education resources, food demonstration videos and consulting related to public health assessments, accreditation, and programming.
Leslene Gordon, PhD, RDN, LDN
Dr Gordon is a graduate of Pratt Institute. She earned a master’s degree in environmental health science from Hunter College – City University of New York and a doctorate in public health from the University of South Florida. She has over 30 years of experience in various employment and voluntary positions.
So, why Culture Competence & Care?
The name reflects my focus, work, and passion.
Culture, and its impact on health is my focus. The lifestyle, customs, habits, traditions and values of populations and individuals must be considered in any efforts to improve health status.
Competence reflects my area of work in improving the knowledge, skills and abilities of nutrition professionals and other audiences.
Care has been defined as the provision of what is necessary for health, welfare, maintenance, and protection. My passion has always been the provision of care to improve health outcomes through prevention and public health strategies. I see health care broadly, with an emphasis on primary disease prevention, addressing risks up-stream.
Areas of Expertise
Community Health Assessment & Planning
Directed four community health assessments and community health improvement planning projects for two public health departments, utilizing a nationally recognized model. Facilitated workgroups and community meetings and maintained staff, partner, and stakeholder engagement throughout the process.
Accreditation
Nutrition and Dietetics Accreditation – Participated as an active member of the accrediting commission for U.S. graduate and undergraduate programs in nutrition and dietetics. Six years of experience on the Site Visitors/Review Panel for Accreditation of Dietetic programs.
Public Health Accreditation – Lead successful public health accreditation efforts for Local Public Health Department. Served as Site reviewer/visitor for the National Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).
Program Development and Planning
Established sustained disease management and prevention programs based on community needs and community assets. Significant experience in implementing successful population-based interventions and health equity initiatives. Efficiently produced outcomes and results to achieve organizational objectives within time and budgetary expectations. Experienced in leading a multi-disciplinary work force.
Presentations and Publications
Speaker and publications on several topics related to culture and health, cultural competence, food, and cuisine. Expert knowledge of Caribbean food ways.